Avocados Popular With Kids, Adults

Spotlight: Avocados + Recipes

Avocados might be one of the most versatile fruits at the store.  

They can shine in a wide range of recipes, like the all-time fan favorite: guacamole. This popular fruit can also be a star ingredient in everything from tuna salad to pasta. It’s even hard to find another fruit that tastes better eaten plain.

It’s no wonder why they are so popular with kids and adults alike. Avocados can take standard recipes and elevate them to a new level (like a lunch wrap or even a grilled cheese) or can add a little extra pizazz to a standard family favorite like tacos or even eggs.  

Because they are loaded with nutrition, it’s a good reason to mix them into breakfast, lunch or dinner. Unlike most other fruits, they are packed with monounsaturated fatty acids and may help reduce cholesterol levels. They are also full of fiber, potassium and other nutrients.  

But like all fruits, avocados are also a WIC-approved food. If you haven’t used your WIC benefits to pick up this versatile, nutritious fruit, we are going to give you a few more reasons (or recipes) to pick them up next time you visit JC Food Mart.

One popular avocado recipe having a moment in the online spotlight are baked avocado egg boats. If you haven’t tried this yet, it’s a fun recipe for kids and adults alike. Of course, like any recipe, it’s easy to make adjustments to add toppings you love. We will add a few variation options into our recipe for you to consider. 

 

 

BAKED AVOCADO EGG BOATS

2 avocados, ripe and ready to eat

4 eggs

¼ cup grated cheese of your choice

Salt, Pepper to Taste

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Wash avocados and cut in half. Remove the seeds. Remove about a tablespoon from each half from the center of each avocado. Reserve the scooped out inside for another recipe like guacamole or to spread on a sandwich. Put avocado halves in a baking dish. In a separate bowl, crack eggs. Spoon 1 yolk into each avocado half. Add some of the egg white to fill the avocado halves. Bake until whites are set and yolks are not running (about 20 to 25 minutes). You can cover with foil if avocados begin to brown toward the end of cooking. Top cooked avocados with grated cheese of your choice and salt and pepper. Enjoy!

FUN OPTIONAL TOPPINGS: Sauteed diced bell peppers, sauteed diced onions, salsa, chopped green onions or cilantro or even crumbled bacon bits can be added at the end to top of this delicious recipe. This is a perfect recipe to change up each time to find your favorite combo. 

AVOCADO TOAST 3 WAYS

Avocado toast is a very popular way to eat avocados. Spread it all over your whole-wheat toast for an amazing snack, breakfast or lunch. But if you want to change it up a bit are a few variations you might want to try:

  1. Add a cooked egg (anyway you like it – boiled, over easy or scrambled) Eggs and Avocado toast are a great combo.
  2. Fresh, sliced tomatoes is another great addition. Add a few slices and sprinkle with your favorite seasoning (salt, pepper or even a dried Italian mix .
  3. Add a salad on top. Mixed greens, sliced cucumbers, which add crunch and texture. This combination is great on a hot summer day. It’s an easy, healthy meal.

Shop for avocados and other WIC foods at JC Food Mart. Find locations and products on our website. To apply for Texas WIC, visit them online at TexasWIC.org.

By |2023-09-13T14:19:48-05:00May 4th, 2021|Categories: Recipes, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Grocery Shopping, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , |0 Comments
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4 Healthy Lunches With WIC Foods

Looking for new, healthy lunches with WIC foods? We have 4 new recipes to help make your lunch a little more exciting.

These easy and quick, less-fuss recipes are easy to make and perfect for prepping early in the week to make your lunches easy and fast to grab. Afterall, nobody wants to waste precious time during the week fussing over cooking. If you are meal prepping, consider our notes at the end of each recipe to help make it even easier.

The best part about all these recipes is they are easily adjustable to add or subtract some of your favorite ingredients to make it perfectly yours. Here are 4 lunches with WIC foods:

Rice Bowl Using WIC Foods

 

 

 

 

 

VEGGIE RICE BOWL

1 Cup Brown Rice, cooked

1/2 Cup Sliced Cucumbers

1 Sliced Tomato

Sliced Onion

1 Avocado

1/2 cup Cooked Green Peas

2 teaspoon Olive Oil

Juice from a Lemon or Lime

2 teaspoon Dijon Mustard

Salt and pepper to taste

Cook rice according to package directions. Put cooked rice in a large bowl. Slice all vegetables and add to the bowl with the rice. Make a dressing in a separate bowl by combining olive oil, lemon or lime juice and dijon mustard. Mix dressing into the rice and vegetable bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Makes 2 bowls. Enjoy!

MEAL PREP TIP: To make this recipe faster, prep the dressing in advance and store in the refrigerator. You can also pre-cook the rice and store in the fridge. Slice and dice cucumbers, tomato and onion (along with cooked peas) when prepping and store in the refrigerator. Add avocado right before eating.

Stuffed Peppers with WIC Foods

 

 

 

 

 

BEAN & VEGGIE STUFFED PEPPERS

4 Bell Peppers

1 tablespoon of Olive Oil

1/2 cup Onion, Diced

½ cup of Corn, optional

1 15 oz can Black Beans, drained and rinsed

2 cloves Garlic, minced

1 tsp Cumin

1/2 tsp Chili Powder

1 8 oz can of Tomato Sauce

1 cup cooked Brown Rice

1 cup of Cheese, shredded

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove tops from peppers. Scoop out and clean the inside of the peppers. Saute onions in olive oil until they are tender. Add garlic and continue cooking for another minute. Stir in mashed black beans, cooked corn, cumin and chili powder. Add tomato sauce and cook for 1 more minute. Remove from heat and stir in cooked rice. Fill peppers with the mixture and place inside a baking dish. Top each pepper with shredded cheese and bake for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

MEAL PREP TIP: This meal can be cooked a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Reheat before serving.

Tuna Lettuce Wraps with WIC Foods

 

 

 

 

 

LETTUCE TUNA SALAD WRAPS

¼ cup diced Bell Pepper

¼ cup diced Cucumber

¼ cup diced Onion

1 can of Tuna, drained

¼ cup of Mayonnaise

Salt and Pepper to taste

4 large torn Lettuce Leafs

Mix all ingredients together in a medium size bowl. Chill before serving. Scoop desired amount of tuna salad into a large lettuce leaf and roll up. Enjoy!

MEAL PREP TIP: Tuna can be made and stored in the fridge for a few days.

Avocado Toast with WIC Foods

 

 

 

 

 

AVOCADO, BOILED EGG ON WHOLE WHEAT TOAST

1 slice of Whole Wheat Toast

1 Egg, boiled

½ Avocado, mashed

Salt and pepper to taste

Boil egg in water for 10 minutes, until cooked. Drain, rinse and cool before removing shell and slice. Mash the inside of avocado and spread onto toast. Place sliced boiled egg on top of avocado toast. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

MEAL PREP TIP: Boil egg in advance and store in fridge.

Interested in joining Texas WIC? Apply online at TexasWIC.org. Shop JC Food Mart to easily pick up WIC groceries. Learn more about the products JC Food Mart offers. Also, learn more about JC Food Mart online.

By |2021-06-15T10:10:02-05:00April 27th, 2021|Categories: Meal Planning, Recipes, Texas WIC, Uncategorized, WIC Food, WIC Nutrition|0 Comments
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WIC Babies Grow Healthy & Strong

WIC Helps Mothers Achieve Baby Milestones

As babies grow from infants to toddlers they graduate dozens of baby milestones, from eating purees, finger foods and walking. Your baby’s pediatrician can help you learn if your baby is on track. Being aware of major developments can ensure your tot is staying on track. Texas WIC can also help your baby stay on track to grow healthy and strong.

Bringing a newborn home from the hospital can be overwhelming. There is so much to learn and process – how to feed, making sure they are safe and loved, learning to decode their baby language. As you get to know your baby and all the traits that make them uniquely them, you will also start picking up on your baby’s developments. It’s something you can observe and watch from Day 1. It’s also one of the biggest joys of being a parent, watching your baby grow and learn.

There are endless resources online about baby milestones, but don’t get overwhelmed and remember they are just a guide. Your baby’s doctors are the ultimate resource. Plus, any resource you use (online, book, etc.) are only tools to help you ask the right questions to your doctor. 

One great online resource is, Texas WIC. Their experts have outlined some of the milestone highlights of a baby’s first year online.

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By |2021-06-15T10:12:18-05:00April 19th, 2021|Categories: Recipes, San Antonio, Texas WIC, Uncategorized, WIC Food, WIC Nutrition|0 Comments
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Importance of Folic Acid During Pregnancy

Vitamin C helps fight colds.  Calcium builds strong healthy bones. Folic acid can help prevent birth defects in babies. If you are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant, it’s important to get enough folic acid.

Women who have never been pregnant may not be aware of the importance of folic acid during pregnancy.  It’s not a nutrient most of us talk about –  unless you are considering becoming pregnant.

Folate is a type of Vitamin B found in the body that is important to the process of making new cells and to the creation of the neural tube that forms a baby’s brain and spinal cord.  These developments happen during the first month of pregnancy, which is why mothers need to have enough folate before they become pregnant.

Without enough folate a baby is at risk of being born with severe birth defects such as spina bifida.

If a woman can become pregnant, it is recommended she take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid (the man-made version of folate) daily to help prevent birth defects, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

Women can get the recommended amount by taking a vitamin with folic acid and/or eating foods high in folate.

WIC FOODS & FOLIC ACID  folic acid & pregnancy

The Texas WIC program, an educational and nutritional resource for expecting mothers, outlines that folate (the natural form of folic acid) can be found naturally in foods such as:

  • Broccoli,
  • Asparagus
  • Lima beans, dried beans, and peas
  • Spinach and turnip greens
  • Oranges, tangerines, and grapefruit
  • Nuts and sunflower seeds

Some rice, pasta, bread, and breakfast cereals are also enriched with folic acid.

Getting enough folic acid is just one way a woman can help ensure she has a healthy pregnancy. Visit a Texas WIC clinic near you to see if you are eligible for the free program aimed at helping Texas mothers ensure they have a healthy pregnancy. You can find a clinic by visiting Texas WIC. Shop JC Food Mart for healthy fruits and vegetables.

By |2021-04-12T09:01:14-05:00April 12th, 2021|Categories: Child Health, Mom Health, Pregnancy, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Nutrition|0 Comments
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Snack on WIC Foods

Make Healthy Snacks With WIC Foods

Finding a healthy snack (for adults and kids) can be difficult. The temptation for all kinds of unhealthy munchies seems to lurk at every turn, but there are so many healthy delicious snacks you and your little one can try instead. To make it easy, snack on WIC foods.

Making sure your snack has nutritional value is the key. Vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber are important building blocks to a healthy snack. Healthy snacks may include options with fruit, veggies, protein, whole grains and calcium. Healthy WIC Snacks

Snacking on WIC foods helps ensure there is nutrition in your snack.

If your snack doesn’t have a lot of nutritional value – like candy that is filled with sugar but doesn’t offer much more – you probably want to find a healthier option. Health experts recommend steering away from unhealthy fats, sugar and empty calories as much as possible.

If you are looking for ideas, we have a few.  Here are some options to consider: avocado on whole grain toast, peanut butter toast, banana slices with peanut butter, smashed black bean dip with carrots or celery, oatmeal and peanut butter balls, yogurt or rolled up slices of cheese.

Don’t let the ideas stop there. You can search Texas WIC’s website for more recipes here. There are lots of resources online for more even more ideas, including the USDA’s recipe bank. 

SNACK TIPS FROM WIC PROS

WIC experts recommend serving a variety of food and leading by example, according to their website. 

Texas WIC experts also suggest getting kids involved in the kitchen to help create healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Age-appropriate activities might include cutting “foods into fun and easy shapes with cookie cutters.”

TEXAS WIC VIRTUAL CLASSES

Texas WIC offers virtual nutrition classes. Nutritionists cover a range of topics for pregnant mothers and mothers trying to help their children eat as healthy as possible.

Here are a few classes currently being offered from Texas WIC that provide even more tips on nutrition. Simply click on the links below and follow the instructions for registration:

Nutrition and Self Care For A New Mom:

https://classes.texaswic.org/class/318ec769-e60e-435c-a2d8-7677073dfc65

Smart Snacks for Children:

https://classes.texaswic.org/class/b69b25dd-256d-44c3-96ec-6eb4c062644d

Whole Grains For Good Health:

https://classes.texaswic.org/class/f1c68938-0c4b-4c8d-a044-c0edb4055c41

Follow the Rainbow with Fruits and Vegetables:

https://classes.texaswic.org/class/46cbe8de-89d6-49d2-98d0-c5a7ee827a29

Picky Eaters – Making Peace with Food:

https://classes.texaswic.org/class/f88f2776-d09e-48d9-af28-670df02284fc

Texas WIC is a supplemental nutrition program for expectant mothers and their children up to age 5 who meet certain criteria. The program provides nutrition counseling and support, free monthly food packages and breastfeeding support.  To find out if you may be eligible, visit TexasWIC.org to apply. 

Get the ingredients for your healthy snacks at JC Food Mart, a primarily WIC grocery store chain in San Antonio. JC Food Mart locations are conveniently located near WIC clinics. To find a location near you, visit JCFoodMart.com/locations. See a list of products on our website to learn more.

 

 

By |2021-04-08T09:59:02-05:00April 8th, 2021|Categories: Child Health, Mom Health, Recipes, Texas WIC, WIC Food, WIC Nutrition|0 Comments
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Join WIC During Pregnancy

You Are Pregnant? Join WIC.

You just got the most exciting news: You are going to be a new mommy!

Your mind is already swirling. There is so much to do: announce the big news to friends and family, pick the perfect name, and find the perfect onesie to bring your baby home.  

Take a deep breath. You have roughly 9 months to get ready. 

Before you get ahead of yourself, some of the most important items on the ‘To-Do’ list will be how to take care of yourself and the growing baby inside your belly.  Once you become pregnant some of your most routine habits might need to be adjusted to keep you and your baby healthy.

Everything from your sleep and exercise habits to your morning cup of coffee should be examined to make sure they are safe during pregnancy. The most important advice for pregnant women is to visit your doctor as soon as you find out you are expecting and attend all scheduled visits up until delivery and immediately afterward. Always remember to talk to your doctor about any questions and concerns. 

WIC AND PREGNANCY

Expecting Texas mothers can also see if they qualify to become a WIC client. 

The WIC program is 100% free. It’s aimed to help pregnant and breastfeeding mothers get a healthy start for their infants and children up to age five. WIC recipients can take home free nutritious food such as fresh fruit and vegetables, milk, and even specialty formula to make sure you are getting your baby off to the healthiest start. Texas WIC also offers access to free nutritional classes and visits to WIC-approved clinics. To find a WIC Clinic near you, visit this site.

Your team of health professionals will provide individual guidance about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle for you and your baby, but here are some important tips to help get started along your healthy WIC pregnancy journey:

DIET, VITAMINS WHILE EXPECTING 

Expecting? Join WIC

Expecting? Join WIC

You are now eating for two. That doesn’t mean you eat twice as much as you did before you were pregnant. Discuss with your doctor your target calorie intake. Your daily calorie goal will vary based on your pre-pregnancy weight. There are, however, some guidelines that will apply to most pregnancies. It’s important to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables so your baby has all the right vitamins to grow. Pregnant women should eat a healthy mix of fruits, vegetables, dairy, and lean protein while avoiding calories loaded with extra fat and sugar. It’s important to get nutrients like iron, fiber, and calcium.

One of the most important nutrients you consume might be folic acid. Getting enough folic acid –  from the start of your pregnancy – has been proven to help prevent birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine. You can get folate from foods such as dark leafy greens like spinach, beans, lentils and whole-grain cereals and breads that are fortified with folic acid. It’s also often found in prenatal vitamins.

Pregnant women should NOT consume unpasteurized milk, cheese, or juice. Consuming undercooked meat, eggs or fish is also harmful.  Expected mothers should cook lunch meat or hot dogs until it steams before eating.

Pregnant women can eat fish low in mercury levels (up to 12 ounces) twice a week.  Fish that are safe to eat include shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, and catfish. However, Albacore tuna and tuna steak should be limited to more than 6 ounces per week. Eating fish high in mercury can be harmful to your baby.

Women should stop drinking alcoholic beverages and limit caffeine while pregnant.  Drinking alcohol can cause premature birth and birth defects. Too much much caffeine can cause low birth weight.

Pregnant mothers can replace their caffeine intake with water. Staying hydrated helps you and your baby. Also, don’t forget to take your prenatal vitamins daily. Your doctor can also recommend one that is right for you.

Texas WIC can also help you navigate how to eat right during pregnancy. You can also get your nutritious WIC foods at a JC Food Mart location.

SELF CARE DURING PREGNANCY

Being pregnant can be very stressful. The right self care (a healthy diet, being active, and getting enough rest) are tools you can discuss with your doctor to help make your pregnancy easier. 

If you exercised regularly before becoming pregnant, discuss any modifications that are needed with your doctor. If exercise wasn’t part of your daily routine, create a plan with your physician.  

The right amount of exercise might vary throughout your pregnancy, but getting the right mix of activity can help reduce stress and help you sleep better. It can also lower the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes. Consider going for a walk or taking a prenatal yoga class. 

TIPS FROM WIC ABOUT PREGNANCY on TexasWIC.org:

  1. Keep all of your clinic appointments and follow the advice of your doctor.
  2. Take prenatal vitamins and any medications your doctor gives you.
  3. Brush and floss your teeth regularly.
  4. Relax and get help from friends and family.

For more tips on how to be prepared for pregnancy, visit a Texas WIC office near you or sign up for a class by visiting  Texas WIC’s online classes.

To learn more about JC Food Mart, visit one of our locations today and find out just how easy it can be to shop for WIC foods.

 

 

By |2021-05-06T11:54:26-05:00March 26th, 2021|Categories: Child Health, Mom Health, Pregnancy, Texas WIC, WIC Nutrition|0 Comments
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Tuna Melts: Easy Dinner With Healthy WIC Food

Tuna Melts: Easy Dinner With WIC Ingredients

Tuna packs a nutritional punch, and is a very healthy WIC food choice!

It offers protein, iron, vitamin D, vitamin B-12 and omega 3. If you are pregnant, you must eat tuna and other high mercury fish in moderation, but that doesn’t mean you have to completely avoid it.

Pregnant and nursing mothers may eat up to 12 ounces of canned light tuna or other low mercury fish a week.  Canned Albacore tuna has higher mercury so it is only advised to eat 6 ounces a week. It’s also important that tuna is fully cooked and not raw, health experts advise.

If you are pregnant, the omega-3 fatty acids in tuna also help your baby grow, especially in the development of your baby’s brain.

TEXAS WIC PROGRAM

TexasWIC is a special supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children. To find out if you qualify, visit a San Antonio Area WIC Clinic. You can also look through our list of WIC-approved food products at the official J.C. Food Mart website.

HEALTHY WIC FOOD INSPIRED RECIPE 

There are plenty of ways to eat your weekly serving of tuna, whether it be a classic salad sandwich or wrap. The healthy WIC food recipe below makes for a great sandwich, or can be enjoyed plain. Here’s the recipe that uses WIC-inspired ingredients:

 

SKILLET TUNA PATTY MELTS

3 cans of tuna

4 potatoes, peeled

1 tomato, sliced

1/3 head of lettuce

1 avocado

Vegetable oil

Dash of salt, pepper

Boil potatoes until cracked. Mash potatoes. Drain 3 cans of tuna. Add tuna into the boil of mashed potatoes. Mix together. Add three eggs, dash of salt and pepper. Mix until combined. Form patties in your hand. Add oil to the pan. Cook patties on medium heat. Serve with lettuce, tomato and avocado.

Enjoy while hot!

By |2021-04-07T08:03:22-05:00March 24th, 2021|Categories: Recipes, Videos, WIC Food, WIC Nutrition|Tags: , , |0 Comments
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Nutritionists “Personalize Your Plate” During March

You may have heard: It’s National Nutrition Month®!

The campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics helps create awareness throughout the month to help raise awareness to eat healthy and get active with “Personalize your Plate.” 

Among the tips are:

  1. Eat a variety of healthy foods every day.
  2. Plan your meals each week
  3. Learn skills to create tasty meals
  4. Consult a Registered Dietician Nutritionist when needed.

The organization has created a great website full of recipes, tips and guides for healthy eating in March in beyond. Their experts also offer great tips for expecting moms and mothers feeding babies and children. 

Here are a few resources from their website that are helpful to mothers, including tips on what to eat when expecting, how to make homemade baby food, how to read food labels and more:

https://www.eatright.org/health/pregnancy/what-to-eat-when-expecting

https://www.eatright.org/food/planning-and-prep/snack-and-meal-ideas/how-to-make-homemade-baby-food

https://www.eatright.org/food/nutrition/eating-as-a-family/tips-for-ordering-takeout-or-delivery

https://www.eatright.org/health/allergies-and-intolerances/food-allergies/reducing-the-risk-of-food-allergies

For more information about National Nutrition Month, visit: https://www.eatright.org/food/resources/national-nutrition-month

Here are a few Q&As about National Nutrition Month: https://www.eatright.org/food/resources/national-nutrition-month/most-asked-questions-about-national-nutrition-month

TEXAS WIC & NUTRITION

If you are needing nutrition help, Texas WIC is also a great FREE resource. The program is available to expecting and mothers of children up to age 5. It provides free nutrition counseling and education for mothers and babies, breastfeeding support and access to FREE WIC foods on a monthly basis. To apply, visit Texaswic.org for more information. 

 

By |2021-04-06T16:07:38-05:00March 22nd, 2021|Categories: Child Health, Mom Health, WIC Nutrition|Tags: |0 Comments
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